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This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.